A beloved mother and chef, Charisse Ates, a 38-year-old female, was fatally shot on the evening of Wednesday, December 30, 2020. The incident occurred on the 100 block of South Eighth Street, near 11th Avenue in Newark, New Jersey. Following the shooting, Ates was transported to University Hospital, where she was pronounced dead.
Known for her generosity and culinary skills, Ates was a cherished member of her community.
She was remembered for her commitment to helping others, often cooking for those in need and providing a welcoming presence to everyone she met. Her sister, Tahirah Ates, described her as a loving and giving person who was always looking out for others, wanting to ensure they had food and a place to stay. The loss was deeply felt by her family, including a teenage daughter who was left without her mother.
In the immediate aftermath of the shooting, the Essex County Prosecutor's Office Homicide/Major Crimes Task Force, in conjunction with the Newark Police Department, launched an active and ongoing investigation into her death. At the time, law enforcement officials had not determined if Ates was the intended target of the shooting.
As of late 2020, no arrests had been made in connection with the homicide, and no suspects had been publicly identified. The investigation into the death of Charisse Ates remains ongoing as her family and community continue to seek justice and grapple with the senseless loss of a woman who gave so much to others.
